Sneak into the ” WORLD BARBER CLASSIC 2025 ” to determine the world’s No. 1 barber!

The “WORLD BARBER CLASSIC 2025” was held in July at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall to determine the world’s best barbers. This report covers the essence of barbers’ techniques, performances by top artists, Panasonic’s new products announced for professional hairdressers, and other topics.

WORLD BARBER CLASSIC 2025

On July 14, 2025, the long-dormant “WORLD BARBER CLASSIC 2025 FINAL,” a battle to determine the world’s No. 1 barber, was held at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, breaking a long period of silence. A total of 13 finalists who won the qualifying rounds from 9 areas in Japan (Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Hokuriku, Tokai, Kinki, Chugoku-Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa) and overseas such as Korea, Taiwan, and Malaysia gathered. The heated technical battle for the world’s top prize unfolded.

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After qualifying in the 1st STAGE and 2nd STAGE, three winners The three winners from the 1st STAGE, Mr. SASAKI, representing the Tokai area, Mr. V, representing the Korea area, and Mr. Naoma SUGIMURA, representing the Kanto area, remained through to the FINAL STAGE. In this barber battle, not only cutting and setting techniques, but also showmanship, attire, and finally the ” one-minute presentation by the barber himself about his own style ” were all subject to judging. The venue was filled with excitement and the audience’s anticipation and excitement grew even higher as the barbers competed with their own creations.

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The winner of the FINAL STAGE was Mr. SASAKI.

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OTOKOMAE Editor

It was an outstanding performance that conveyed the enthusiasm of the audience to “win the title of the world’s best barbershop.” The presentation expressed Mr. SASAKI’s style while respecting the cut model’s personality and style, and during the performance, the audience was impressed by the words “Sasaki! Sasaki!” and the cheers of his friends echoing through the venue during the performance were also memorable.

The WBC is packed with other elements you won't want to miss!Special guest demonstrations and LIVE performances by Benizakura & DJ KAJI

In between the qualifying rounds, world-class guest barbers Josh Lamonaca of MENSPIRE and BERG of Haru Concept came to Japan to perform a sharp cutting show on stage. Rappers Benizakura & DJ KAJI also gave a live performance on the big stage.

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A must-see for professional hairdressers!

In addition to performances, the venue also featured brand booths and new product launches. One of the most popular products was “THE BARIKAN,” a new series of professional hair clippers for barbers and hairdressers announced by Panasonic. The first product, the ER-XT70 professional T-shape trimmer, which pursues sharpness of blade and ease of use, is a gem that has been completed through thorough product development and marketing activities for barbers in response to the growing popularity of fade styles among men.

The appeal of this product is its high visibility when cutting and smooth cutting performance that is suitable for Asian, European, American, and African hair types. The compact design eliminates parts around the blade to the utmost limit, allowing users to pinpoint the desired cutting point and pursue their ideal hairstyles, which have been created millimeter by millimeter.

At the event, Mr. Nishimori, representative of MR. BROTHERS CUT CLUB, and Mr. BERG gave a demonstration in conjunction with the new product launch. During the demonstration, Mr. Nishimori said, “With conventional T-shaped trimmers, I was concerned about snagging when cutting hair that had been combed through, but this trimmer eliminates that concern. This trimmer does not have that problem. It can cut any type of hair without stress,” he said.